How should subordinates use the Commander’s Intent when plans change?

• A. Preserve and adjust actions to accomplish the mission
• B. Ignore the Commander’s Intent and improvise
• C. Return to the original plan regardless of changes
• D. Wait for higher-level orders before acting

Answer: (A)

Using the Commander’s Intent to guide actions when plans change. The Intent communicates the mission’s purpose and the desired end state, giving you the flexibility to adapt to new information or conditions without losing sight of the objective. When circumstances shift, you should preserve the mission’s aim and adjust your actions to fit the new situation. This keeps the operation moving, enables initiative, and prevents paralysis from waiting for every detail or for new orders. It’s more effective than sticking to an outdated plan, improvising without alignment, or delaying action by waiting for higher-level direction.